The Evers administration is broadening efforts to crack down on a group of harmful chemical compounds by taking steps to regulate “forever” chemicals in both drinking water and in lakes, streams and rivers.

The state Department of Natural Resources said on Tuesday that the agency has been directed by Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, to take additional steps to address a spate of compounds coming under growing scrutiny because of their potential health consequences on humans.

The chemicals, known as perfluorinated chemicals, or PFAS, have long been used in an array of products, including cookware, fast-food containers and some types of firefighting foam.

Regulators say their concern is higher levels of contamination and long-term exposure to the chemicals in water and in fish. A worry of regulators is that the chemicals do not break down readily in the environment

On June 21, the administration announced plans to regulate two types of chemicals in groundwater — compounds known as PFOA and PFOS.

Now, Evers is seeking to set health standards in drinking and surface waters — a process for all three categories that will require review from the Legislature.

According to the DNR, the agency will ask the Department of Health Services for recommendations on safe levels in drinking water and surface water for an array of PFAS compounds.

The levels could be different from those for PFOA and PFOS in groundwater announced in June. DHS recommended then a limit involving one or both of the chemicals of 20 parts per trillion.

Wisconsin is joining other states in regulating the chemicals because of what they see as a slow pace by federal authorities.

“The EPA will tell us (of their plans) by the end of the year,” said Darsi Foss, a DNR administrator. “That could take five to seven years and then we would have to start our rulemaking process.”

“So waiting for the feds could take years, and that’s why states like New York, Vermont, Michigan and Wisconsin are taking action under state law.”

Business groups, including Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, are raising questions about the state’s efforts to date and say that regulators must balance health and costs of new regulations.

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